Upcoming Events

Beginning Orchestra

Preparatory Division Orchestras Concert Entertains

Thank you to all performers and parents who participated in the May 2 concert of the Beginning Orchestra! You can still order recordings of the concert.

Musicians flourish when they play together and gain from the experience of others. Participation in an ensemble not only strengthens the individual's playing ability, but students improve their performance level in their school music programs.

This orchestra, conducted by Donna Jelen, is open to young string players who seek a fun and educational ensemble experience.

Little or no ensemble experience is needed to participate in the Beginning Orchestra. Students in Beginning Orchestra develop skills such as counting independently, executing orchestral bowings, watching the conductor and blending with the other musicians in the group.

Beginning Orchestra typically performs music that is Grade 1 - 2.5. Students should be comfortable performing and sight-reading in the keys of A, D, G, C and F, as well as A, E, and D Minor, and should be able to read basic rhythms in simple and compound time signatures.

Orchestra Schedules

Beginning Orchestra Seating Auditions

Current members of the Beginning Orchestra are reminded that seating auditions will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please report to Room 217 for check-in, warm-up, and tune-up. The first full rehearsal will be Saturday, September 5, 2015.

Music for the seating audition has been mailed. Additional copies are available via the links below:

For a child's orchestra experience to be successful and fulfilling, the student must demonstrate reliable attendance at orchestra rehearsals. You cannot "make up" an orchestra rehearsal. Rehearsals are a group effort where essential information is communicated and progress is made as an ensemble. When a student fails to attend an orchestra rehearsal, both the individual student and the ensemble are affected by the absence.

Only if needed, students in the Beginning and Preparatory Orchestras are permitted a maximum of two (2) excused absences per semester. In order for an absence to be excused, the student or guardian must contact Mary Ann Grof-Neiman in the Prep department PRIOR to the absence at (216) 791-5000, ext. 371.

Examples of excused absences include:

Serious or contagious illness - Even if the student cannot physically play (due to a sprained or broken wrist, etc), they should still attend the rehearsal and take notes. Many students in this situation enjoy sitting in with the orchestra, following along in the music and marking their part, because they hear and notice things that they would not have noticed if they were playing.

School-sponsored events (academic, athletic, musical, etc.) that directly conflict with the rehearsal - If, despite the conflict, a student can attend all or part of the rehearsal, they are expected to do so.

Essential out-of-town commitments

Organized Preparatory department events, such as Suzuki play-ins, are carefully coordinated among the Preparatory faculty and are excused.

Examples of unexcused absences include:

Being busy or tired

Social events

Accidental double-booking

Any absence that is not communicated to the Preparatory department ahead of time

Tardiness: Latecomers are a disruption to the rehearsal. If a student arrives to a rehearsal after it has begun, they will be tuned outside of the rehearsal area and seated in the back of the section for the duration of the rehearsal.

Excessive tardiness and/or absences may result in a permanent change of seating.